LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Clark County jail detainee who was in custody for about 11 days was released to a hospital and tested positive for the new coronavirus, Sheriff Joe Lombardo said Wednesday while declaring that there are no cases of the COVID-19 respiratory illness among people now held at the 3,100-bed facility in Las Vegas.

The development was one of many related to the outbreak that has closed casinos, shuttered businesses and diminished tourism in the normally bustling gambling mecca — and prompted the University of Nevada, Reno to cancel the in-person pomp of commencement. Air traffic controllers returned to work at McCarran International Airport, a week after a co-worker tested positive for the virus.

“As of today, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our inmate population,” Lombardo told reporters during a news conference convened with Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson to assure the public that southern Nevada is safe and laws are being enforced.

The sheriff, who said two detainees were in “negative pressure” isolation cells at the jail, said the person who was at University Medical Center was rehabilitating. He was not asked during several written questions that he took why those people were isolated or whether detainees and staff who had contact with the person now hospitalized have been tested for COVID-19.

A veteran Las Vegas defense lawyer and activist who has raised concerns about a potentially deadly contagion at the usually crowded jail said he thinks there are unreported virus cases behind bars.

“We have anecdotal evidence that at least two people with COVID were released,” said attorney Jonathan MacArthur, who continues to handle cases in local jails and courts. “Neither was released to UMC that I’m aware of. One of those inmates was homeless.”

Las Vegas police did not immediately respond to follow-up messages about MacArthur’s account.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The sheriff and district attorney said police calls are being answered and serious crimes are being prosecuted. But misdemeanor and petty offenses “with the exception of DUI and domestic violence" are drawing citations instead of handcuffs at officers’ discretion, Lombardo said.

“Crimes of violence are being prosecuted in their normal fashion” with a skeleton staff at the courthouse, Wolfson said. “People who think this time of crisis is a good time to take advantage of others through scams or other criminal activity will face tough prosecution,” he added.

Lombardo said there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the police department’s 6,000 employees, including more than 3,100 sworn officers. He said 28 were in precautionary “self-quarantine” after possible exposure to someone with the virus.

In other Nevada coronavirus news:

— Gov. Steve Sisolak issued emergency orders Tuesday banning gatherings of more than 10 people indoors or outdoors anywhere in the state and limiting the use of anti-malaria drugs for someone who has the coronavirus. The order restricting chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine came after President Donald Trump falsely stated the Food and Drug Administration approved using chloroquine to treat patients infected with coronavirus. Sisolak said there’s no consensus among experts or Nevada doctors that the drugs can treat COVID-19.

— At the airport, the control tower reopened on Wednesday, a week after a controller tested positive for COVID-19 and other employees began home-isolation. Airport service slowed following the March 18 tower closure and a wave of airline cancellations and delays because of a decrease in passengers. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration reported Tuesday that a security screener at Terminal 3 tested positive for the COVID-19 respiratory illness after a morning shift March 12.

— In Reno, a block-long line formed at the downtown Events Center after it opened as a temporary shelter for up to 400 homeless people displaced by closure of the city's largest shelters. The Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission and three Volunteers of America facilities were closed because they couldn't maintain social distancing protocols. Officials said only veterans and people with medical needs can stay overnight at the Events Center because of a shortage of mattresses and blankets.

— At the University of Nevada, Reno commencement ceremonies scheduled in May were canceled amid plans for a “virtual” spring graduation celebration. School officials said even if the governor lifts orders for Nevadans to stay home through April 16, they'll conduct courses remotely for the remainder of the semester. Decisions are pending about summer and fall sessions.

— The South Lake Tahoe City Council planned to decide late Wednesday whether to ban short-term rentals after the mayor and local business leaders urged visitors to stay away to help stem the spread of coronavirus. All area ski resorts have closed, and the city asked owners of vacation home rentals, hotels and motels last weekend to voluntarily close for a month. The Incline Village General Improvement District made a similar request on the north shore.